Spokane Airport's BEST Hotel? Fairfield Inn & Suites Review!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the gloriously imperfect world of the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Spokane Airport. Forget those cookie-cutter reviews; this is your raw, unvarnished, and potentially rambling guide to whether or not this place is actually the best for you. Spoiler alert: it’s complicated.
The Arrival and the "Oh, Thank God It's Here" Moment:
First, the location. Let's be honest, being at the Spokane Airport (GEG) is the biggest perk. After a brutal red-eye (curse you, Southwest!), stumbling out of baggage claim and seeing the Fairfield sign? That's a legit moment of pure, unadulterated relief. No endless shuttle rides; you're practically there. This convenience is a huge win, especially if you're lugging around a suitcase the size of a small car (guilty!).
Accessibility: A Mostly Smooth Ride (With a Few Bumps):
Now, let's talk accessibility. The Fairfield gets a solid B+ here. They do have facilities for disabled guests – elevators are a crucial thing, and the main areas were easy enough to navigate. I didn’t test out the specific accessible rooms, but I'd recommend calling ahead and confirming details. I do recall seeing (a bit quickly) the exterior corridor, and that might require a little extra attention, especially if you were using a wheelchair or other assisted device. However, I didn't have any experiences with this part, so this is based on what I saw.
Cleanliness and Safety: The "We're Trying" Factor:
Okay, the pandemic changed everything, and the Fairfield is trying. They advertise anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and room sanitization between stays. They’ve got hand sanitizer stations strategically placed. But, and here’s my personal, slightly cynical take: it’s the attempt that matters. You see the effort, which is a good thing. Were the rooms clinically sterile? Probably not. But did it feel clean? Mostly. I did see staff being trained to safety protocol, which is reassuring – even if you might see someone forget their mask.
Rooms: More Than Just a Place to Crash:
Okay, the rooms. This is where things get… subjective. It's a standard, clean, and functional room (the kind you expect). The beds are comfy (extra long beds are a huge plus for us tall folks!) and the blackout curtains are a lifesaver for those jet-lagged mornings. I had a good view of the outside (that window that opens is a small but important detail), and the air conditioning worked perfectly. There’s a coffee maker – essential. There’s free Wi-Fi (more on that later). Now, I didn't have a suite experience, but even the standard room had a decent amount of space to stretch out in after my flight.
Internet Access (Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms!) - The Good, The Bad, and the Slightly Annoying:
Free Wi-Fi! Hallelujah. But here's the thing, it's free, but it's also… hotel Wi-Fi. Meaning, sometimes it’s lightning fast, and sometimes it’s like trying to stream Netflix on dial-up in the 90s. I had moments of frustration, but ultimately, it was usable. Don't expect to upload enormous files quickly, but for surfing, email, and general connectivity, it did the job. Also, there's Internet Access – LAN, but honestly, who uses LAN anymore?
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Breakfast Bonanza (and Potential Pitfalls):
Breakfast. Oh, breakfast. This is where the Fairfield mostly shines. They offer a breakfast buffet (with a vegetarian restaurant), and it's actually… pretty good. You get the usual suspects: eggs, sausage, fruit, waffles. I appreciate a good waffle. They have a coffee shop, and the coffee is at least… drinkable. The buffet in the restaurant is okay. The breakfast takeaway service is a lifesaver if you're in a rush. However, there's a small, slightly disappointing moment. I found myself craving a salad, and I was disappointed. I would have appreciated salad in the restaurant and a bar. The other options are good, but less useful to me personally. My takeaway is breakfast is okay.
Things to Do (and Ways to Relax): Airport Edition:
Let's be honest, you’re probably not coming to Spokane to hang at the Fairfield. It's a place to crash. That said, they do have a fitness center, and a swimming pool (outdoor), which is nice if you need to burn off some energy. I didn’t try the pool, but it looked inviting. Don’t expect a full-fledged spa experience. They got an almost everything. My takeaway is relax!
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter:
This is where the Fairfield really shines. They have a 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, a convenience store (for those emergency snacks!), and laundry service. These little things make a big difference when you're traveling. They also have a concierge, and I would love to take advantage of that, next time I book.
For the Kids (and the Kid in You):
I didn't travel with kids, but the Fairfield is surprisingly family-friendly. They have family rooms available, which makes a ton of sense. They have kids meal, which is another plus.
The Quirks, the Imperfections, and the Honest Truth:
Okay, let's get real for a second. Is the Fairfield the Ritz-Carlton? Absolutely not. You might hear a door slam in the hallway at 3 AM. The lobby could use a little sprucing up. And the elevator might be a little slow at times. It's not perfect. But here's the thing: it's comfortable. It's convenient. And it's a damn sight better than sleeping in the airport terminal.
The Bottom Line: Who Should Stay Here?
- You, if: You're flying into/out of Spokane and need a quick, easy, and reliable place to rest. You're traveling on business and value convenience above all else. You appreciate a decent breakfast. You just want a hassle-free stay.
- Maybe not you, if: You're looking for a luxury experience. You need a ton of nightlife or fine dining on-site. You're highly sensitive to noise. You’re hoping for a spa experience.
My Verdict:
The Fairfield Inn & Suites by Spokane Airport is a solid choice. It’s not going to blow your mind, but it will get the job done. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.
The Unvarnished Offer (Because Honesty is the Best Policy):
Okay, here's the deal. I'm not selling the Fairfield Inn & Suites, but I am recommending it. If you're looking for a convenient, comfortable, and relatively affordable stay near the Spokane Airport, book your room now. Don’t expect perfection, but expect a good experience. Plus, the relief of knowing you don't have to endure a long shuttle ride after a long flight? Priceless. Book it, you won't regret it (probably!).
Escape to Jackson, MI: Fairfield Inn & Suites Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is a Fairfield Inn & Suites Spokane Airport experience, unfiltered, slightly chaotic, and probably involving questionable decisions made at 2 AM fueled by complimentary coffee.
Day 1: Arrival and the Inevitable Airport Shenanigans
- 1:00 PM: Arrived in Spokane. Okay, smooth landing. My carry-on? Apparently, it's also a carry-around-the-airport-because-it's-too-early-to-check-in-carry-on. Sigh. The Spokane airport, though… it's got a certain… charm. I'm pretty sure I saw a stuffed moose wearing a tiny cowboy hat. Yep, Spokane, you've got my attention.
- 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM: Shuttle to the Fairfield Inn & Suites. The driver, bless him, looked like he was narrating a Western. "Yessir, that's the airport, right there. And those are… buildings. Yep." I'm already loving the local vibe.
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Check-in. (This is where the "real" adventure begins). First impressions of the room: surprisingly clean! Okay, maybe not the Ritz, but the sheets look clean. The tiny shampoos? My weakness. Love those things.
- 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM: Unpack, a crucial activity. My suitcase is a black hole of forgotten items and "just in case" clothing. Found a half-eaten bag of chips in there, a week-old banana, and a book I swore I'd read on the plane. I'm already questioning all my life choices.
- 4:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Get a little lost trying to find the gym. Apparently, my sense of direction is inversely proportional to my need for exercise. Finally found it. The treadmill… stared at me. I stared back. We agreed on an unspoken truce.
- 5:00 PM - 5:30 PM: Lobby wandering. The free coffee station. This is a critical point in my day. First cup. The coffee is… fine. Better than airplane coffee, that's for sure. Chat with the front desk attendant who shares some great local spots.
Day 2: Exploring (and Maybe Getting Lost)
- 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Complimentary Breakfast Buffet. It's a battlefield. Waffles, sausage, rubbery eggs – the breakfast basics, the standard hotel buffet. I'm secretly hoping for something truly amazing. I mean, even a decent danish would bring joy.
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Prepare for exploring. Okay, full disclosure – I didn't research Spokane beforehand, so I'm navigating this city pretty much blind. Armed with Google Maps, I'm a fearless (and easily bewildered) explorer.
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Attempt to find the Spokane Riverfront Park I can't believe how beautiful it is!
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch. Found a classic diner and ordered something that "looked good." The food was… decent.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Okay, so I got lost. Really lost. Turns out, downtown Spokane has some confusing streets. Now I'm sitting on a bench, mildly defeated but still breathing. Saw a guy playing the banjo. Spokane, you are weird and wonderful.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Hotel pool. This might sound great, but…it wasn't. It was too cold, and I had to share it with some kids who were having the time of their lives.
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner. I wandered into a place I read good reviews about. The food was exceptional. I felt like I was having a whole-new experience.
- 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Back at the hotel, I spent some time in the lobby watching the news. I couldn't wait to get back to that coffee station.
- 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Bedtime routine. I love hotel beds, they are always so comfortable, I feel like I was sleep in cloud nine.
Day 3: Last Day and Departure
- 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: The breakfast battle (again). Except this time, I knew the terrain. Waffles. Sausage. Survived.
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: A final walk around the hotel. I said goodbye to the gym.
- 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM: Checkout.
- 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM: Shuttle back to the airport. The driver this time was a chatty Cathy.
- 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM: Waiting at the airport. The time went by slow.
- 1:00 PM: Fly out. Spokane, you were a whirlwind of unexpected delights.
Reflections:
This trip wasn't perfect. I got lost, ate mediocre food, and faced the cold reality of hotel gym treadmills. But it was wonderfully human. The quirky encounters, the moments of unexpected beauty, the sheer absurdity of it all – that's what made it memorable. Would I go back to Spokane? Absolutely. Though next time, I'm researching beforehand. And maybe packing a better book. And definitely more snacks.
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Spokane Airport's BEST Hotel? Fairfield Inn & Suites - My Chaotic Review!
Okay, So, Is the Fairfield Inn & Suites Spokane Airport REALLY the "BEST"? Spill the Tea!
Alright, alright, settle down, you eager beavers! "BEST" is a HUGE claim, right? Look, it's... pretty darn good. For a convenient pre-flight/post-flight situation? Absolutely. Think of it as a reliable friend, not necessarily your soulmate. I've stayed there probably... four or five times? Each time, it’s a gamble... honestly. One time it was a symphony of calm, the next time it was a toddler convention with broken vending machines. So, it’s a *decent* option near GEG. Don't expect the Ritz. You're getting clean and comfy, and that's half the battle when you’re haggard from travel, am I right? Getting a slightly better than mediocre hotel with a shuttle is a damn blessing.
The Shuttle... the Holy Grail for Airport Hotels. Is it Reliable?! PLEASE tell me!
Ugh, the shuttle. The source of so much travel anxiety, am I right? Here's the thing: MOST of the time, yes. MOST. That's not a guarantee. I've had experiences ranging from "perfectly on time, even helped with my luggage" to "waiting for an hour in the freezing Spokane air, contemplating my life choices." One time, the driver was SO chatty, bless his heart, about his prize-winning tomatoes that the other passengers didn’t look thrilled. Another time, I swear the thing was held together with duct tape and a prayer. Call the front desk *before* you head outside to make sure. Double-check. Triple-check. Pray to the travel gods!
Tell me about the Breakfast. Because a terrible breakfast can make or break a whole stay...
The breakfast is... well, it's free, and it's a hotel breakfast. Let’s be honest. Don’t go in expecting gourmet cuisine. Think: continental. Think: the same things you've seen a million times. The usual suspects: waffles (sometimes they actually work!), scrambled eggs that may or may not resemble something that was once a chicken product, the ubiquitous sausage links, fruit that has seen better days, and the all-important coffee (which, honestly, is often the most important thing, and it's usually drinkable). My biggest gripe? The plastic cutlery! It’s the little things, ya know? But hey, it's free. And it'll get you through until you locate a good diner.
Rooms! Are they, you know, *livable*? And clean?! (The big questions...)
Okay, the rooms. They are... decent. Clean-ish. Generally? Yeah, clean. I'm talking the standard Fairfield Inn decor. Slightly generic, but inoffensive. Beds are comfy enough, the pillows are…meh. The TV works. The Wi-Fi… can be a gamble. I once had a room situation where the air conditioning was a roaring beast and the temperature was freezing. They had to move me. It was a whole saga. Then once, I got a room that reeked of cleaning chemicals. It made me feel like I was allergic to everything, and that's a *terrible* feeling. Overall, it's functional. I’d give it a solid 6.5 out of 10, if I was forced to put a number on it. The bathroom? Always check for stray hairs. I'm not saying there are MORE hairs than your average hotel, but it's a hotel.
What about Noise? Because thin walls can ruin a night!
Oh, the noise. This is a variable. It really depends. You might get lucky. You might get to enjoy the dulcet tones of snoring from your next-door neighbor, the wails of a newborn, or the construction crew from next door. I usually bring earplugs (a MUST for any hotel, really). If you're a light sleeper, ask for a room away from the elevators and the hallway. Honestly, I've had worse. But I've also had better. It's a *mixed bag*. My advice? Invest in some good earplugs. And maybe a white noise machine. Or a very loud fan. In any case, good luck.
The Staff! They could make or break the whole experience... Are they friendly?
The staff… they’re generally fine. They're usually helpful enough. I’ve dealt with some super-friendly people who will bend over backwards for you. Then other times…I've dealt with a weary soul. Honestly, they're in the hospitality industry, working hard, and dealing with…well…us, the demanding travelers. They’re probably exhausted. So, be nice! A smile goes a long way. I try to be patient and understanding, and I think that usually works. But hey, there could be a Karen in front of you causing a scene. You just never know!
Any Fun Extras? Like a Pool or Gym?
There IS a pool and gym. The gym is small, but it has the basics (treadmill, elliptical, weights). The pool… I haven’t actually used it. But from what I've seen, it's… a pool. It exists. I *have* seen kids splashing around, so if you're looking for a quiet, serene swim experience, maybe not this one. As for the rest… they have the usual lobby area, a business center (in case you need to print your boarding pass last minute, like I have…).
So, Should I Book This Place?! Give me the Bottom Line!
The bottom line, folks? If you need an airport hotel in Spokane? It's a solid choice. It's not fancy. It's not going to blow your mind. But it's convenient, generally clean, and you get a free breakfast. You're there for a short period, yes? If you're looking for a luxurious getaway? No, this isn't it. If you’re just needing a place to crash and get to the airport? Yeah, book it. Just go in with realistic expectations. And pack those earplugs! And maybe a snack. You'll survive. I've survived. And that, my friends, is saying something.
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